A Pennsylvania man has been federally charged after allegedly leaving threatening voicemails targeting a U.S. representative and President Donald Trump.
Raymond Chandler III, who has set up a website announcing his campaign for U.S. Senate, faces charges of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening a family member, and threatening a federal official by making death threats.
Voicemail Threats Against U.S. Congressman
According to an affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime, Chandler reportedly left a chilling voicemail on April 18, where he described a violent scenario targeting the wealthy, including a U.S. congressman’s family.
He allegedly painted a picture of people surrounding homes of billionaires and attacking them, saying it was a possible future due to increasing wealth concentration in the country. Chandler is said to have added that the situation could lead to violent retribution against wealthy individuals, including the congressman and his family.
Chandler allegedly expressed frustration with the growing wealth inequality, stating, “People are suffering so much…you will not escape their wrath. We must redistribute the wealth away from people like you.”
Death Threat Against President Trump
Just 11 days later, Chandler turned his attention to President Donald Trump, leaving another disturbing voicemail. In the message, Chandler allegedly urged the congressman to assassinate Trump, saying, “I want you to walk into the Oval Office with a gun in your hand.
I want you to put it to his temple, and I want you to pull the trigger.” He further expressed his belief that Trump was a liar and even called him the “antichrist.”
Chandler reportedly petitioned the congressman to act as his “agent” and carry out the assassination as an expression of his free speech. He also allegedly questioned whether the congressman would take action against him for his statements.
Additional Violent Threats
The criminal complaint also mentioned Chandler’s threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in April 2025, where he voiced concerns that certain people would be sent to “death camps.”
Authorities say Chandler also mentioned purchasing weapons, including a seven-inch combat knife and a dagger, and expressed a willingness to kill in the face of perceived government threats.
He allegedly threatened to build gallows and even spoke about the necessity of violence against certain individuals, including President Trump.
Federal Charges and Investigation
Chandler’s actions led to his arrest and the filing of federal charges. He remains under investigation, and it is not yet clear when he will appear in court. A magistrate judge in the U.S. Western District of Pennsylvania is overseeing the case.
The investigation was prompted by information provided to the FBI from the congressman’s representatives, which included voicemails from Chandler dating back a year.
